Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Challenge #169 - Anything Goes

It's hard to believe that it's February already. This year is off to a great start. We have a fun new Guest Designer this month as well as a Fill-In Designer who is helping out while some our regular DT Members take a little break. We hope that you will take time to welcome these two talented ladies, Martha and Stephanie, and let them know how grateful we are to have them with us this month. We're absolutely delighted to have each of you with us as well, and we look forward to seeing the lovely art you will share this month.I want to quickly share with you why we have three sponsors this week. There is a new tax called a VAT tax coming out of Europe that has greatly affected many of our sweet digital sponsors' stores. Many of the sweet digital stores we love had to close their doors because of this tax. By losing these sponsors, I had to do some serious shuffling. But because GOD IS SO GOOD, I not only filled all our digital sponsor spots for the year; but I was also able to fill each week with a sponsor for physical product every week. We originally had My Craft Spot by Kimberly scheduled as our primary sponsor for today's challenge. As most of you probably already know, Kimberly had to make the decision to close her doors permanently due to a serious illness with her daughter. Kimberly has been SUCH a dear friend and faithful sponsor of our challenges for several years now. We're going to miss her SO MUCH, but I just wanted to let you all know that her shop still has a few goodies left, and they are GREATLY discounted (at least 50% off); so you might want to stop by and do some shopping before it's all gone......forever. Thank you again, Kimberly, for being such an awesome sponsor and friend of Word Art Wednesday. We wish you the very best in the days and years ahead!

This week's word art/scripture is 1 Corinthians 16:14, and although it's taken a bit out of context from the chapter, it's basically telling us to do EVERYTHING with love. The word "charity" means love. It comes from the Greek word "agape" which is translated as charity or love. As we study this word "charity", we learn that it specifically refers to the love that we have toward other people. Charity is a very specific kind of love because it is the love that we show toward others, and a type of love that suffers long and is kind. It's easy for us to show that long-suffering kind of love for our children, for our parents, for those we love deeply. But God has commanded us to do ALL our things with this kind of love called charity. That means we need to express patience, forgiveness and understanding towards everyone. We all know "that one guy" or "that one gal" at work, church, or in your neighborhood. You know the one I'm talking about....you're thinking about him or her right now. They might drive you NUTS, or annoy you to pieces. But God has asked us to express that same love, called charity, towards EVERYONE, and in EVERY situation. Yup, it's difficult for sure. It's always easier to live inside our comfortable little bubble and just show love towards those who we like, those who "get us", or are in our circle of friends. But let's really make an effort in our daily lives to show that same kind of charity (or long-suffering love) toward every person we encounter, and in every situation we encounter. Not only will be pleasing God and obeying His Word, but I have NO DOUBT that in doing so, we will bring glory and honor to His precious name; AND.....we will be blessed in the process. After all, God loves us with such a wonderful, deep and unconditional love.....we should be able to do the same for others, and in all circumstances. As always, you are welcome to save this week's free scripture/word art file to your computer, but are not required to use it in order to play along in our challenges. We welcome you share your art with us; remembering that Anything Goes as long as it's family-friendly, and uses an encouraging or uplifting sentiment. This includes any type of altered or digital art (not just limited to cards). You may link up to five (5) projects each week. The more you enter, the more you increase your odds of winning. It is our desire that God's Word will be a blessing and encouragement to you each week. If you have any questions about the rules, be sure to read the complete list of rules under our page tab for "Challenge Rules". Because our ultimate goal is to honor God, we have no other choice but to delete any entries that do not adhere to these guidelines. Let us know if you have any questions, and thanks for your understanding and participation!

Beautiful words to accompany gorgeous creations! I hold this Scripture near and dear to my heart... it is how God will truly shine through us and into the lives of others. Thank you for another week of inspiration. :o) (And thank you for the lovely words about Kimberly... I miss MCS so dearly.)

Lots of lovely cards again this week. Sadly VAT is not a new tax - it has just been extended to digital images. Anything seen as a "luxury" is subject to VAT. You pay it on home improvements, petrol, adult clothing, most services and most goods - hardly all luxuries! I know tax is necessary though - shame it just hits people so hard.

It's so sad to see that these wonderful businesses are having to close due to taxes. I wish Kimberly the best as she is dealing with some of life's hard challenges. Thank you for a wonderful challenge and the beautiful scripture. The DT has done a fantastic job and wow, so many wonderful entries!